When is Duck Hunting Season in Illinois? A Complete Guide

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

When Is Duck Hunting Season in Illinois?

Duck hunting is a popular pastime in Illinois, and for good reason. The state is home to a variety of duck species, including mallards, wood ducks, and teal. The duck hunting season in Illinois runs from September 1 to January 31, and there are a number of different ways to participate. You can hunt from a boat, from a blind on the shore, or even from a tree stand.

No matter how you choose to hunt, there are a few things you need to know before you head out. First, you need to have a valid hunting license. You can purchase a license online or from a licensed dealer. Second, you need to be familiar with the hunting regulations. These regulations vary depending on the type of duck you are hunting and the area where you are hunting.

If you’re new to duck hunting, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, talk to experienced hunters. They can give you tips on where to hunt, what gear to use, and how to properly handle ducks. Second, read up on the subject. There are a number of books and articles available that can teach you everything you need to know about duck hunting.

With a little preparation, you can enjoy a successful duck hunting season in Illinois.

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Season Dates Waterfowl
Duck Season September 1-January 31 Ducks, geese, coots, mergansers
Teal Season September 1-15 Teal
Goose Season October 1-January 31 Geese

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Duck Hunting Seasons in Illinois

The duck hunting season in Illinois is divided into two seasons: the fall season and the spring season. The fall season runs from September 1 to January 31, and the spring season runs from March 1 to May 31.

Fall Season

The fall season is the most popular time to hunt ducks in Illinois. The weather is usually mild, and the ducks are plentiful. The most common ducks hunted in the fall season are mallards, pintails, and gadwalls.

Spring Season

The spring season is a good time to hunt ducks that have migrated to Illinois from the north. The most common ducks hunted in the spring season are wood ducks, teal, and scaup.

Waterfowl Conservation Stamp

In order to hunt ducks in Illinois, you must have a valid Waterfowl Conservation Stamp. The stamp costs $15 and can be purchased online or at any Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) office.

Migratory Bird Hunting Permit

You also need a Migratory Bird Hunting Permit to hunt ducks in Illinois. The permit costs $25 and can be purchased online or at any IDNR office.

Duck Hunting Regulations in Illinois

In addition to the general hunting regulations in Illinois, there are also specific regulations for duck hunting. These regulations include:

  • Bag limits: The daily bag limit for ducks is six ducks per day. The possession limit is 18 ducks.
  • Shooting hours: The shooting hours for ducks are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
  • Hunting methods: The only legal method of hunting ducks in Illinois is by shotgun.
  • Permitted areas: Duck hunting is permitted on all public and private lands in Illinois.
  • Prohibited areas: Duck hunting is prohibited in the following areas:
  • Within 150 feet of a building
  • Within 100 yards of a public road
  • Within 500 yards of a school
  • Within 100 yards of a body of water that is used for swimming

Duck hunting is a popular pastime in Illinois, and there are plenty of opportunities to bag a few ducks. By following the regulations, you can enjoy a safe and successful hunting season.

Duck hunting is a popular pastime in Illinois, and for good reason. The state is home to a variety of duck species, including mallards, pintails, gadwalls, wood ducks, teal, and scaup. The duck hunting season in Illinois is long and varied, with opportunities for both early and late season hunting.

Duck Hunting Seasons in Illinois

The duck hunting season in Illinois is divided into two seasons: the fall season and the spring season. The fall season runs from September 1 to January 31, and the spring season runs from March 1 to May 31.

Fall Season

The fall season is the most popular time to hunt ducks in Illinois. The weather is usually mild, and the ducks are plentiful. The most common ducks hunted in the fall season are mallards, pintails, and gadwalls.

Spring Season

The spring season is a good time to hunt ducks that have migrated to Illinois from the north. The most common ducks hunted in the spring season are wood ducks, teal, and scaup.

Duck Hunting Regulations in Illinois

In addition to the general hunting regulations in Illinois, there are also specific regulations for duck hunting. These regulations include:

  • Bag limits: The daily bag limit for ducks is six ducks per day. The possession limit is 18 ducks.
  • Shooting hours: The shooting hours for ducks are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
  • Hunting methods: The only legal method of hunting ducks in Illinois is by shotgun.
  • Permitted areas: Duck hunting is permitted on all public and private lands in Illinois.
  • Prohibited areas: Duck hunting is prohibited in the following areas:
  • Within 150 feet of a building
  • Within 100 yards of a public road
  • Within 500 yards of a school
  • Within 100 yards of a body of water that is used for swimming

Duck hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. By following the regulations, you can have a safe and successful hunting season.

Additional Resources

  • [Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Duck Hunting](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/waterfowl/index.htm)
  • [National Wild Turkey Federation: Duck Hunting](https://www.nwtf.org/hunting/waterfowl-

When Is Duck Hunting Season In Illinois?

Duck hunting season in Illinois is open from September 1 through January 31. The season is divided into two parts: early season (September 1-15) and late season (September 16-January 31).

Early Season

The early season is open for ducks that migrate through Illinois during the fall. These ducks include mallards, wood ducks, teal, and pintails. The early season is a good time to hunt for ducks that are feeding on grain and other crops in the fields.

Late Season

The late season is open for ducks that winter in Illinois. These ducks include mallards, black ducks, gadwalls, and redheads. The late season is a good time to hunt for ducks that are feeding on aquatic vegetation in the wetlands.

Duck Hunting Regulations

There are a number of regulations that apply to duck hunting in Illinois. These regulations include:

  • The daily bag limit is six ducks per day.
  • The possession limit is 12 ducks.
  • All ducks must be banded.
  • Ducks must be killed with a shotgun that is no larger than 10 gauge.
  • Ducks must be shot with lead shot that is no larger than No. 2.

Duck Hunting Tips

Here are a few tips for successful duck hunting in Illinois:

  • Scout for ducks before the season opens. This will help you find the areas where ducks are feeding and roosting.
  • Use a call to attract ducks. There are a number of different duck calls available, so experiment until you find one that works well for you.
  • Use decoys to attract ducks. Decoys can be used to simulate a flock of ducks or to create a feeding area.
  • Shoot ducks at close range. Ducks are most vulnerable when they are flying low over the water.

Duck Hunting Safety

Here are a few safety tips for duck hunting in Illinois:

  • Wear hunter orange clothing. This will help other hunters see you and avoid shooting you.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Be careful not to shoot at ducks that are flying over other hunters or in areas where people are recreating.
  • Treat all guns as loaded. Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot.
  • Follow all hunting regulations. This will help to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience for everyone.

Duck hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of having a successful duck hunting season in Illinois.

Duck Hunting Tips in Illinois

Scouting for Ducks

The first step to successful duck hunting is scouting for ducks. This will help you find the areas where ducks are feeding and roosting. There are a few different ways to scout for ducks, including:

  • Watching for ducks in the sky. Ducks are often visible flying over the fields and wetlands.
  • Looking for duck droppings. Duck droppings are a good indicator of where ducks are feeding.
  • Checking duck decoys. If you see duck decoys in the field, it’s a good sign that ducks are using the area.

Once you’ve found a few areas where ducks are present, you can start to narrow down your search. Look for areas that have the following characteristics:

  • Open water
  • Grain or other crops
  • Cover for ducks to hide in

Calling Ducks

Once you’ve found a good spot to hunt, you’ll need to start calling ducks. There are a number of different duck calls available, so experiment until you find one that works well for you. When calling ducks, it’s important to use a variety of different calls and to vary the volume and pitch of your calls.

Decoys

Duck decoys can be a very effective way to attract ducks. Decoys can be used to simulate a flock of ducks or to create a feeding area. When using decoys, it’s important to place them in a natural-looking way and to make sure that they are visible to the ducks.

Shooting Ducks

The best time to shoot ducks is when they are flying low over the water. This is when they are most vulnerable. When shooting ducks, it’s important to aim for the head or neck.

Duck Hunting Safety

Here are a few safety tips for duck hunting in Illinois:

  • Wear hunter orange clothing. This will help other hunters see you and avoid shooting you.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Be careful not to shoot at ducks that are flying over other hunters or in areas where people are recreating.
  • Treat all guns as loaded. Never point a

    When is duck hunting season in Illinois?

Duck hunting season in Illinois typically runs from mid-September to mid-January, with specific dates varying by county. For more information, please see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

What are the bag limits for ducks in Illinois?

The bag limit for ducks in Illinois is six ducks per day, with a possession limit of 18 ducks. However, there are some exceptions to these limits, such as a daily bag limit of three scaup and a possession limit of nine scaup. For more information, please see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

What are the legal hunting methods for ducks in Illinois?

Ducks can be hunted in Illinois using a variety of methods, including:

  • Shotgun
  • Bow and arrow
  • Crossbow
  • Muzzleloader

For more information on legal hunting methods for ducks in Illinois, please see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

What are the safety precautions that should be taken when duck hunting in Illinois?

When duck hunting in Illinois, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  • Wear hunter orange clothing
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Use caution when handling firearms
  • Obey all hunting laws and regulations

For more information on safety precautions for duck hunting in Illinois, please see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

duck hunting season in Illinois is a long and exciting one, with opportunities for both experienced and novice hunters. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success and have a memorable experience. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Duck hunting season in Illinois runs from September 1 to January 31.
  • There are three different zones in Illinois, each with its own set of regulations.
  • The most popular duck hunting methods in Illinois are hunting over decoys, puddle jumping, and using a boat.
  • Hunters should be aware of the state’s bag limits and hunting regulations.
  • By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and have a memorable duck hunting experience in Illinois.

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